Colwyn Bay to host Wales Rally championship action

Although the full competitive route for this year’s Wales Rally GB, taking place October 3-6, will not be revealed until later in May, it was announced that the event will include a new speed test on the town’s popular Promenade. The new Colwyn Bay speed test is scheduled for early Saturday evening (October 5) and will be the headline of a programme of car-themed activities and entertainment.

This news extends the event’s presence in County Conwy following confirmation that the Rally HQ and central Service Park are moving into the heart of Llandudno. It also comes ahead of this weekend’s Prom Xtra family event in Colwyn Bay, at which Wales Rally GB will have a significant presence. Further funding has been secured in principle from the Bay of Colwyn Town Council for simultaneous entertainment in both Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea town centres.

The Promenade has recently undergone a multi-million-pound redevelopment and arrival of the World Rally Championship will bring further prestige to Colwyn Bay with a special two mile course planned for the Promenade including chicanes, donuts and a hairpin with competitors racing individually against-the-clock.

Hugh Chambers, chief executive of Motorsport UK, organiser and promoter of Wales Rally GB, said: “The Saturday evening seafront spectacular will be different from anything Colwyn Bay has seen before; and a real contrast to the forests of rural Wales where most of the rally action takes place.

“Part of what we are doing with this year’s rally is to bring the raw excitement of the sport to places where many more fans can enjoy this excitement. Hopefully a good number of those gripped by what they experience in Colwyn Bay will then venture out to the forests to view world championship rallying in the wilds of Wales.”

Cheryl Williams, Colwyn Bid manager, said the rally will bring thousands of visitors to the area and showcase the very best of the Bay. She commented: “We are delighted to be in partnership with the WRC and for the Bay of Colwyn to play its part in supporting one of the highlights of the North Wales calendar.

“Colwyn Bay, Rhos on Sea and Old Colwyn already hosts some of the top events in the region ­– including Access all Eirias, the Forties Festival, Rhos Pirate Weekend and Prom Xtra – so this is another opportunity to showcase what we have to offer.”